Uranus, like the other giant planets in the solar system
(Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune), is made up almost entirely of gas,
although it differs in composition to Jupiter and Saturn -- it
has higher quantities of water, methane and ammonia ices. Unlike
conventional ice, it's a super dense liquid. Uranus, like
Neptune, is often referred to as an "ice giant."

Uranus measures a mighty four-times the diameter of Earth and
orbits the sun at an average distance of 2.9 billion kilometers
(around 20 times the Earth-sun distance). From that distance it's
only just visible to the naked eye under dark skies, but
telescopes are needed to see any detail.

Nearer planets seem to receive more attention from amateur
astronomers but that may be about to change.

An image taken by planetary scientist Larry Sromovsky, with the
Gemini 8.1 meter telescope
shows a bright patch that is thought to be an eruption of
methane ice high in the atmosphere.

Leading planetary scientist Heidi B. Hammel used her Facebook
page to announce the discovery and to appeal for further
observations. Amateur astronomers with advanced equipment are
being asked to make observations of the planet and, if enough
confirmations are received, it may lead controllers of the Hubble
Space Telescope to interrupt observations and take a closer look.

Understanding the nature of this spot is important, Hammel
explained to Discovery News.

"The reason we care about the clouds on the planet Uranus is that
they seem to be seasonally driven," said Hammel. "Uranus spins
tipped over on its side, giving rise to extreme changes in
sunlight as its seasons progress.

"The changes are therefore much more dramatic than for other
planets. Uranus thus gives us unique insight into the energy
balance in a planetary atmosphere."

It's almost like a weather system on steroids, as the northern
hemisphere receives 42 years of sunlight and constant energy from
the sun with the southern hemisphere plunged into 42 years of
darkness.

Unfortunately, this new outburst may be just out of reach of most
amateur astronomers but those with more advanced equipment should
certainly take a look.

It seems fitting that 230 years since the planet was discovered
by Hesrchel, himself an amateur astronomer, it may be the work of
modern day amateurs that unlock clues to the nature of Uranus'
strange atmospheric effects.